Bald eagle officially becomes US national bird
The bald eagle, a symbol of the power and strength of the United States for more than 240 years, has now received a long-overdue honor: it has been officially designated as the national bird of the country.
President Joe Biden signed legislation transmitted to him by Congress that amends the United States Code to correct what had long gone unnoticed and designate the bald eagle — known to many for its white head, yellow beak, and brown body — as the national bird.
Symbol of the USA since 1782
The bald eagle has appeared on the Great Seal of the United States, used on official documents, since 1782, when the design was finalized. The seal consists of the eagle, an olive branch, arrows, a flag-like shield, the motto «E Pluribus Unum», and a constellation of stars.
That same year, Congress designated the bald eagle as the national emblem, and its image appears, according to USA.gov, in many places, from documents and the presidential flag to military insignia and US currency.
From emblem to national bird
But it had never been officially designated as what many had simply assumed — the national bird.
The bald eagle is native to North America. It was at one point considered endangered and has recovered thanks to consistent conservation measures — proof that species protection works when the political will is present.
